A Publication of the First Baptist Church in Framingham PO Box 2415 ~ Framingham, MA 01703-2415 The Rev. Jason R. Rutherford, Pastor 508-872-1176 [email protected]www.firstbaptistframingham.com Baptist Notes March 2016 Our weekly worship services are essential and were created out of ne- cessity in people’s lives. Worship is not a new art or fad for expressing ourselves, but rather a deeply held practice that unites us with our God and with one another in ways not found in any other part of our life. Holy Scripture is a source of both guidance and inspiration in our wor- ship. The Psalms, or songs, are prayers and readings that may illumi- nate our souls to dance, enable our eyes to see, and encourage us in our spiritual journey to the house of God. Psalm 84 is a psalm of worship. It is believed to be a liturgical account of an annual pilgrimage to the temple at Jerusalem. Early worshippers would unite each year for a fes- tival and worship. The journey to the house of God would have been a holy experience, uniting people together as they prepare to worship their Lord. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of thirst, they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools” (Psalm 84:1-2, 5-6). Centuries later, we still journey to the house of the Lord uniting to worship the one, true God. Today, as before, we journey together, hope filled, anticipating something truly miraculous. In the ancient world, pilgrims may have feared drought, robbery, illness, or any number of obstacles on their journey to the House of God, but nevertheless they persevered because their life, and the fullness of it, depended on their arriving together to worship. As we approach the House of God today, we too might be de- terred along the journey. Certainly, we suffer from natural disasters, illness, war, and times of personal ambivalence. And, we sometimes become tethered to some other quest for personal fulfillment that on- ly leaves us unfulfilled. These do not have to be permanent obstacles. When we believe, whole- heartedly, that our life depends totally on uniting together with the Lord, we will become encour- aged and skilled at overcoming any obstacle that might otherwise deter us from worship. And, our times together will be joy-filled, reflecting the true fulfillment only found in the Lord. Although it is profoundly painful to see the havoc in people’s lives that storms, political upheaval, and spiritual des- olation will bring, we are also faced with an opportunity to help one another. We are faced with op- portunities to lend our hand, our heart, and our willingness that no person be left in the valley of thirst and desolation, but rather be lifted up and strengthened so the he or she might also have opportunity to give thanks and adoration in the House of the Lord. My encouragement today is that you consider what might prevent you from taking a drink of living water, and then be willing to ask (Continued on page 2)
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A Publication of the First Baptist Church in Framingham
27 Easter Day 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service Followed by breakfast
9:45 a.m. Christian Education
10:45 a.m. Worship
Noon Easter Egg Hunt
28 29 30 Wonderful
Wednesdays
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Bible
Study
31 7:00 pm Choir
Rehearsal
Notes: AA meets : Monday evenings at 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room Wednesday and Friday at Noon in Reilly Hall
All calendar entries are subject to change
March
Birthdays
March 2016
2 Bob Phillips
3 Joseph Paiva
4 Carolyn Reilly
7 Ethel Luton-Campbell
8 Neil Halbert
12 Naja Arianna Allen
16 Joann Sewell
16 Alicia Gonzales
19 Betty Temple
25 Marilyn Medler
27 Bob Emmons
28 Laura Reilly
31 Diamond Campbell
Sanctuary Dedication
On Sunday, May 1, we will dedicate the sanctuary following the renovation this winter. The Rev-
erend Mary Day Miller, Executive Minister of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts,
will lead the service. The theme of the day will be In The Beauty of Holiness, and the scriptures
will be the same as the original dedication in 1826. Also, we will be dedicating new Bibles and
Hymnals. A special “thank you” will be extended to all who have worked to see the renovations
through to completion.
New Hymnals
As the painting of the sanctuary nears completion, the anticipated date to return to Sunday wor-
ship upstairs is March 20, Palm Sunday. As part of our excitement, new Bibles have been pur-
chased through the Memorial Fund, and the plan to purchase new hymnals is in the works. The
worship committee has chosen a new hymnal, Worship and Rejoice, by Hope publishing. The
hymnals have not been purchased, but the worship committee has samples to show on Sunday
mornings, and is asking members of the congregation to donate a hymn book or books in memory
or honor of someone. The cost is $15 for each, and for those who purchase them, an “In Memori-
al” or “In honor of” sticker will be placed inside the front cover. The worship committee has set a
goal of 40 hymn books, and hope to place the order by April 4. Please take time to prayerfully
consider donating a hymnbook, and take time to look at the samples in the front of the sanctu-
ary on Sunday mornings.
Yes, I would like to purchase a hymnal. Given in Memory Honor (please circle one) of ________________________________________ Given By : _______________________________________________________________________ Your Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Your Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Please fill out a separate slip for each purchase and enclose payment of $15.00 per hymnal Thank You, The Worship Committee
As you may know, in October of 2015 we lost Memorial Hall due to a fire. In the very near future,
we will be in the process of rebuilding. Please come join us for a fun night of roller skating, laser
tag, and other activities hosted by Grotonwood. $1 of the admission price will go toward helping
rebuild a new lodge. We hope to see you and your friends at this event. Some of your favorite staff
members will be there too!
Library 4 Update
To start Lent we used "art" to tell the story of the Boy Jesus. Mrs. Ross and I read "When Jesus
Was Young" and then they listened to the hymn "In the Temple". During lent they will continue
with the parables.
Before that, they were read "The Day the Crayons Came Home" (which the children like to read to
themselves and review after they have finished their word searches.)
The children made "bookmarks" for Valentine's Day for some who are home bound. A picture of
First Baptist was on top with the scripture "Draw near to God here." 1 Samuel 14:36b. That book-
mark contained a 2016 calendar.
World Day of Prayer: Friday, March 4, 11:00 am hosted by Edwards
UCC and the Community of St. Luke. Service will be held at Edwards
Church, 39 Edwards Street. Meal will follow. World Day of Prayer
promotes justice and equality for women through prayer, partnerships,
service and celebration. This year’s service has been written by the
women of Cuba.
First Baptist Church in Framingham
1013 Worcester Road
PO Box 2415
Framingham, MA 01703
Sunday, March 20 - Palm Sunday
10:45 a.m. Worship - Worship returns to the sanctuary
